Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Sudz]

I've been teaching in Vietnam for over 6 years, and I've almost notched off every SE/East Asian country. I have two weeks off in late May/early June, and I'm considering Korea. For some reason, I've always written off Korea as a travel destination - perhaps thinking that it's 'like Japan but not as interesting'.

I've had a slight craving to go back to Japan (Kyushu), but I'm currently in the money saving mode. Am I wrong to think that Korea might be able to 'fill the void' on some level? From my research, it looks considerably cheaper than Japan, which is a factor - perhaps I'm wrong in this assumption? Would you consider Seoul to be SIMILAR to Tokyo?

If I don't go to Korea, I've thought about making a return to Laos, Indonesia, China, or perhaps even Myanmar (was very fond of the people there). With the exception of perhaps China, those destinations would be quite a bit cheaper as well. After living in a developing country for so long, there are times when I enjoy getting out for a bit and enjoying a more modern Asia, and I think that Korea fits that description at least to some level.

Anyways I apologize for this subjective question I guess opinions are what I'm looking for. I enjoy modern Asian cities, outdoor life, some nightlife, locals that are 'easy' to interact with (generally friendly), and good food (only somewhat familiar with Korean food). Money is a slight factor. I have a fair bit saved, but I'll most likely be starting an MA at the end of the year.

Opinions?

[myenglishisno]

It really depends what you're looking for however you'll find that Korea has very, very little in common with Japan. I spent a lot of time in both Korea and Japan and the one thing that always got me was how two neighbouring countries could be so incredibly different.

I'd go out on a limb and say that Korea has more in common with certain parts of China than it does with Japan, however comparing any East Asian country to another is a bit of a stretch. Truth be told, Asian countries have much less in common with each other than Western countries (including European countries with their own languages).

Aside from that, most tourists I know that came to Korea enjoyed it. It's definitely the strangest country I know of and you will probably think so as well, which should provide some entertainment in and of itself. Imagine miles and miles of identical apartment buildings and thousands of huge, red neon crosses on church steeples that litter the skyline of any city outside of Seoul. Every large building has a PC Bang in it (cyber cafes). The cities vary tremendously from the very old to the very new, with all cities essentially having a similar Korean-style look (I found this in Japan too: Japanese and Korean architecture are each very uniform).

There are tonnes of small mountains, too. Most are great for hiking. Most cities have dozens of mountains poking out of them.

Koreans themselves are very... extreme. One second they'll be the kindest people you've ever met, the next they'll be yelling at each other drunk, the next they'll be so shy that you have to hit them to get a response.

I'd recommend it. It's a weird, weird country that many people like for reasons that we can't really explain. I think I like it because every time I think I understand it, I realize that I don't.

One more thing... Korea doesn't have a whole lot of nature but there are plenty of great sites and beautiful places here, definitely enough to warrant a vacation. You just have to leave Seoul.

[Sudz]

Thanks for that! Sounds worthwhile to me.

Would (approx) 1000US be a reasonable 2 week budget for someone who:

- would opt for lower price single rooms (not picky at all, as long as it's not a shared dorm).
- eats mostly (if not entirely) Korean food - mainly at the cheaper places, but perhaps 'splurge' the odd time.
- enjoys having a few beers most nights - more so perhaps on a Friday or Saturday depending on where I am.
- travels to at least a few places by bus.
- doesn't shop
??

[BoholDiver]

Yes, that would be enough. The fornication motels are about $30 a night outside of Seoul or $40-45 a night inside Seoul.

Buses are really cheap. You can get to Busan for $25-30. Meals are about $4 a meal for simple Korean food.

However, I wouldn't recommend coming here. Just my opinion.

[BroodingSea]

I like this post. Sums a lot up well. It kind of gets under your skin. The food is really good and you'll enjoy this aspect of the country, hopefully a lot. The nightlife is alright. Better if you have people to shortcut you to places of interest but I'm sure you'll be fine. I used to love going up the top floor of those massive buildings and looking out into the dark and neon with a beer or two!

uote="myenglishisno"]It really depends what you're looking for however you'll find that Korea has very, very little in common with Japan. I spent a lot of time in both Korea and Japan and the one thing that always got me was how two neighbouring countries could be so incredibly different.

I'd go out on a limb and say that Korea has more in common with certain parts of China than it does with Japan, however comparing any East Asian country to another is a bit of a stretch. Truth be told, Asian countries have much less in common with each other than Western countries (including European countries with their own languages).

Aside from that, most tourists I know that came to Korea enjoyed it. It's definitely the strangest country I know of and you will probably think so as well, which should provide some entertainment in and of itself. Imagine miles and miles of identical apartment buildings and thousands of huge, red neon crosses on church steeples that litter the skyline of any city outside of Seoul. Every large building has a PC Bang in it (cyber cafes). The cities vary tremendously from the very old to the very new, with all cities essentially having a similar Korean-style look (I found this in Japan too: Japanese and Korean architecture are each very uniform).

There are tonnes of small mountains, too. Most are great for hiking. Most cities have dozens of mountains poking out of them.

Koreans themselves are very... extreme. One second they'll be the kindest people you've ever met, the next they'll be yelling at each other drunk, the next they'll be so shy that you have to hit them to get a response.

I'd recommend it. It's a weird, weird country that many people like for reasons that we can't really explain. I think I like it because every time I think I understand it, I realize that I don't.

One more thing... Korea doesn't have a whole lot of nature but there are plenty of great sites and beautiful places here, definitely enough to warrant a vacation. You just have to leave Seoul.[/quote]

[sadguy]

i wouldn't recommend traveling here. there's nothing really here to do by yourself. you'd need to have a travel buddy.

everything in seoul is the same, you have a bunch of chain coffee shops, chain restaurants, chain everything. there are no real secret finds that are unique to seoul or korea.

then if you travel outside of seoul and go into a smaller city, it' basically just a miniature wannabe version of seoul.

it's not a great place to visit but living here is comfortable and it can be nice if you build a life here. i just wouldn't recommend it as a travel spot.

if i'm traveling, i would want something unique, something that i wouldn't be able to experience back at home. but seoul is pretty modernized and westernized. the culture shock won't knock you off your feet like vietnam would.

[hellofaniceguy]

Recommend korea vs what other country?

Taking everything into consideration that other countries have vs korea...
I think the majority would recommend another country first.
France or korea?
Italy or korea?
Thailand or
The PI or
China or

well..you get the picture.....while korea does have a few things to offer.....a far more enjoyable, less stressful time would be spent elsewhere....

[PatrickGHBusan]

It would depend on what type of traveler you are and what you want.

It is impossible to say its worth a visit or not worth a visit in general terms.

Korea DOES have a lot to offer to the tourist, it has its own vibe going on and its own style.

This being said, the trip to the peninsula will be worth it depending on what you want!

[travel zen]

Korea is a fun place. I'd take more than $1000 US if you really want to just have fun for 2 weeks.

Have lots of girls, use the love Hotels with heated floors and jacuzzi, eat every type of Babylon you can buy. Hang out with foreigners and locals, go to clubs.

Korea can be a playground. Don't take it too seriously, love the girls.

[myenglishisno]

[PastorYoon]

I would actually recommend AGAINST taking a vacation in Korea. Oh wait, they like to call it 'Corea'. How silly of me.

[itistime]

" it has its own vibe going on and its own style. "

When did that happen?

It can be comfortable to live here, but I'd choose a million other places to visit before Korea. Even places I've been before.

[InDaGu]

If you want to do it on the cheap AND have people to hang out with, try Couchsurfing. There's tons of CS hosts in each of the major cities.

[Triban]

I would recommend most other Asian countries over Korea. There is some cool stuff about Korea, but for the most part it is lacking in natural as well as modern/public beauty. Lots of shops are run down, and half of the countryside is just ugly dilapidated buildings while half of the city is just the same apartment design over and over.

Also, all the temples look exactly the same.

Most things in Korea...look exactly the same.

Thanks Confucius.

[McGenghis]

The DMZ is a cool notch to have in your belt for those political discussions back home.

The mountains and the sea out in Gangwon-do are quite pretty (though I am sure they have their peers) and there are neat little temples hidden throughout. One of my favorite activities is temple-hunting in the hills up behind my house.

Seoul is obviously a big city and it has tons of those �woahtheneonlightsholyasia!� districts. Busan has chaotic fish markets where you can spot extras from the Alien movies.

And of course the Koreans themselves.